Demographics

Moving to Florida

End of Life Issues

What to do when you find out that you have a    child with a developmental disability

Demographics

• There are over 17,000 folks on the waiting list for services in Florida - almost 400 or these are from Flagler and Volusia Counties
• Number of Group homes -

Moving to Florida

• If you have a child with a developmental disability,  you had better think twice about this.  You will, most likely, go on the waiting list for services and will have to go it alone until you come off the waiting list.  With almost 400 folks on the waiting list,  you will probably be waiting years for any service.
• When and if you do move here,  immediately call the area 12 APD and take steps to apply for services
• When and if you do move here,  immediately contact the Family Care Council and get involved

End of Life Issues

• Do NOT leave anything to your disabled child.  If you do,  they will lose all benefits (including SSI and Medicaid) until they spend these assets (and there will be no one to help them figure out how to spend them).  You will just be throwing your money away.
• Do create a Special Needs Trust whose sole purpose is to help improve your child's quality of life

What to do when you find out that you have a child with a developmental disability

• Immediately contact Area 12 APD and make arrangements for an intake conversation.